Grocery bagging for books

As grocery shoppers across the region for preparing for Thanksgiving, Food City and United Way of Greater Chattanooga seized an opportunity to give back.

During Celebrity Bagger, local “celebrities” in cities in Tennessee and Virginia volunteer as grocery baggers at participating Food City locations. Celebrity Baggers ask customers to donate to United Way as they’re checking out. This year, Celebrity Bagger raised over $39,000 total from all locations. From the three Chattanooga locations, $2,618.12 was raised for Imagination Library.

Beyond the dollars, Elizabeth Williams, relationship manager at United Way of Greater Chattanooga, says it’s great to collaborate with local businesses for timely giving opportunities like Celebrity Bagger.

“We are truly honored to be invited into Food City stores for Celebrity Bagger,” Elizabeth said. “Their support this year and in years prior has made a huge impact on the Greater Chattanooga community.”

Volunteer celebrities in Greater Chattanooga included media personalities, government representatives, local sports teams and more. You can view their comments and photos on Facebook and Twitter.